Suede is a type of leather with a unique and attractive appearance but requires proper care. This is because this material is easily scratched and damaged if exposed to water. However, the better the care, the longer it will last. So, how do you properly care for suede shoes?
How to Properly Care for Suede Shoes
Suede shoes require special care to remove stains, dirt, and scuffs. This type of shoe is a magnet for dirt because the basic material is a soft fabric that absorbs moisture and is easily stained. Here’s how to care for suede shoes to keep them clean, in good condition, and durable.
Prepare Equipment for Cleaning
To maintain the shape of the shoe, use shoe clips when cleaning. However, if you don’t have any, you can fill the shoes with crumpled newspaper.
Avoid cleaning shoes when they are wet, let the mud dry before brushing them. Then avoid putting shoes in the dryer because it can damage them.
Remove Dirt
Use a suede brush or toothbrush to gently brush dirt off the surface of the shoe. In addition to a soft brush, you can use a clean cloth to wipe. Avoid using water or soap because it can make the dirt worse.
If there are scuff marks, then move the brush quickly from side to side to lift the suede fibers of the shoe. Then loosen the debris before continuing to the next step.
Remove Surface Stain
Stains left on the surface of the shoe can be cleaned using suede rubber. However, if there is none, you can use a household cleaning sponge. Make sure the rubber or sponge is clean from stains and apply a little pressure when cleaning, but do not rub too hard. This risks damaging the suede fabric. Move back and forth to scrub stubborn stains or dirt.
Overcome Stubborn Stains
To break up clumps of particles in stubborn stains, you can use an acidic liquid. The method is to wet the tip of a dry cloth with white vinegar, suede cleaner, or rubbing alcohol. But make sure not to wet the shoe with the liquid, just wet the suede a little.
Press gently from side to side with a quick motion and let it dry. If stubborn stains are still visible, repeat the process.
Quoting the Allen Edmon YouTube channel which shows how to protect and care for suede shoes, starting by removing stains on the top. Then brush the surface to restore the natural pile of the material. For stubborn dirt, use a waterproof spray thoroughly and apply a renovator to the edges of the shoe. As a result, the shoes look like new and are comfortable to wear for a long time.
How to Store Suede Shoes
In addition to cleaning, suede shoes require proper storage to keep them durable. For that, keep them away from direct sunlight so that the color does not fade. Also keep it away from other heat sources, such as radiators.
When the season has changed, store the shoes for a while. Wrap suede shoes in tissue when not using them and put them in a shoe box. Store them in a dry and cool place so that they are not damp and do not easily get moldy.
If the shoes are wet, let them dry naturally in the air and insert shoe holders to maintain their shape. It is important to note how to clean and care for suede shoes so that they remain in good condition and last a long time in all weather. /nen
